#maxson fo4

[icarusdescending7]

thinking abt fallout 4 and how the sole survivor isn’t able to throw their weight around depending on what faction you’re part of

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

because WHAT do you mean you can’t flex your status as general of the minutemen. i know it would mean absolutely nothing if you’re just beginning but imagine the power that would hold if you’ve built the minutemen from the ground up and had artillery all across the commonwealth.

like, talking to Maxson. ESPECIALLY MAXSON. maybe he asked you to take over a settlement from the minutemen, unaware of your status.

you look that motherfucker in the eye and you say “I am the general of the Minutemen. You are on land that I have sworn to protect with my life. If you so much as speak of harming any of my people, you and your army will. burn. do you understand? no one will be able to save you from my hand.”

it could depend entirely on how many settlements you have and how many artillery canons you have.

have less than the five required to actually take down the Prydwen, he laughs in your face.

have the five required, he seems uneasy, but dismisses you.

have more than five? He takes you seriously and any radiant quests that allow you to take over a settlement for the brotherhood are unavailable.

maybe you have an excessive amount? he takes that as an active threat. gives you time to escape while he plots to attack.

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i know that wording isn’t that threatening but yk what? late night blurb.

[okayinthewasteland]

The Ballad of Elle Douglas, Chapter 60

See Chapter 1 for Whole Work Summary Chapter 60

Chapter Summary: The Devil goes down to South Boston.

Whole Work Rating: Explicit

Whole Work Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death (described in detail), Rape/Non-Con (implied threat of)

Category: F/M, Gen

Fandom: Fallout 4

Chapter Word Count: 5.2k

Whole Work Relationships: John Hancock/Female Sole Survivor (Main Pairing), Paladin Danse/Female Sole Survivor, Edward Deegan/Female Sole Survivor, Robert Joseph MacCready & Sole Survivor, Sole Survivor & Nick Valentine, Arthur Maxson & Sole Survivor, Deacon & Sole Survivor, Preston Garvey & Sole Survivor, Sturges & Sole Survivor, Mama Murphy & Sole Survivor, Sole Survivor/Sole Survivor's Spouse, Father | Shaun & Sole Survivor, Synth Shaun & Sole Survivor

Whole Work Characters: John Hancock, Sole Survivor/Original Female Character, Paladin Danse, Edward Deegan, Nick Valentine, Robert Joseph MacCready, Arthur Maxson, Preston Garvey, Mama Murphy, Father | Shaun, Deacon, Elle Douglas (oc)

Additional Tags and Excerpt Under the Cut

Additional Tags: Commonwealth Minutemen, No Beta We Die Like Kellogg, Porn With Plot, Smut, Monogamy, Multiple Relationships, Canon-Typical Violence, Not Canon Compliant, Drama, Romance, Action/Adventure, Pining, Angst, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Found Family, Suicidal Thoughts, Hancock is Endgame, Break Up, Child Death

_________________

Good news in The Commonwealth typically traveled as fast as Caravan Guards with Pack Brahmins could carry it. Bad news, in Elle’s opinion, somehow managed to travel even faster.

By the time she arrived to meet with the three settlers who lived on the tiny peninsula just north of the Atom Cats Garage (with a Hancock in tow who was both dustier and even moodier after his tumble into the dirt outside the Pulowski), the two women and one man in the small shack had changed their minds entirely about joining the Minutemen.

“Lady,” the man said, too-easily sliding into the role of speaking for the whole group, “I know we told the other ones we’d be interested, but that was before Summerside got bombed out.”

“Somerville,” the shorter of the two women corrected from behind him.

Elle watched the two bicker, arms crossed over her leather jacket, a thunderclap of a headache forming between her eyes as they nattered back and forth.

“You can see,” piped up the taller woman, directing her comment at Elle, “why we’re nervous, right?”

“Of course I can,” Elle leaned on their fence post and smiled in a way she hoped appeared both hearty and winning. “But you have to admit, The Commonwealth is stronger when we all stand together.”

“Lady, I don’t got to admit nothin’,” the man shot back.

“No one likes a smart ass,” Hancock muttered.

“Maybe so!” The man shouted directly into Elle’s face as he craned his neck to yell at the Ghoul who had clearly underestimated his hearing. “But I don’t need some freak to try and talk down to me! We ain't better off allying ourselves with this bitch, when the Brotherhood clearly has some kinda problem with her!”

At the word freak, Elle’s hand had dropped onto the holster of her .44. But even having done that, she was considering how to de-escalate the situation so intensely that by the time the man got to his cute little epithet towards her, she’d nearly missed it. It didn't matter anyway, she'd been called worse.

It apparently mattered to Hancock, though: “What did you say?" His voice was oily, low and furious.

Elle had heard him jibe back good-naturedly at being called a freak many times, but the man calling her a bitch had done something to Hancock that was entirely new. She couldn’t decide if it was something to do with her, or something to do with the week they'd had. She also didn't know if she should be startled or pleased, and had no time to consider any of her options.

Continue Reading on AO3

[hrefna-the-raven]

Heart of Steel

Fallout masterlist - main masterlist

Inspired by this great song of Manowar:

Summary: You are a former soldier before the Great War, frozen in the vault only to wake in a world you didn't recognise anymore with your husband killed and your son kidnapped. You stumble through the Commonwealth, having searched far and wide with Detective Valentine for your son until you stumble upon Paladin Danse at the Police station. His Brotherhood wakens your desire to belong somewhere again and so you join them, but upon meeting Elder Maxson you weren't sure anymore if it really was the right decision....

Notes: I haven't played FO3, so I don't know tiny Maxson and I haven't quite finished the BoS story in FO4 so I'm not quite sure where this is exactly headed as I type the chapters as I move forward in the questline^^

Chapter 1 - Welcome to the Brotherhood of Steel

"The Institute Scientists have created a weapon that transcends the destructive nature of the atom bomb", Elder Maxson spoke purposefully.

Your gaze drifted towards his commanding presence, acknowledging his tall and undeniably attractive stature. During your time you travelled the Commonwealth, you never encountered anyone who exuded such confidence and grace. He paced in front of the new recruits like a predator stalking its prey and yet his radiant confidence stood like a shining beacon amidst the darkness of this world.

"Therefore, the Institute and their "synths" are considered enemies of the Brotherhood of Steel, and should be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly", he gruffly stated, carefully observing the recruits.

A knot formed in your stomach upon hearing those final words. While encountering various synths during your search for Kellog, not all of them had been friendly. However, influenced by Nick's unwavering assistance and his quest to find your son, you were convinced that shooting each and every synth on sight couldn't be the right course of action. Nick had saved you countless times, without gaining any advantage out of it and you seriously doubted he'd ever be an enemy to anyone who didn't deserve it in the first place.

Maxson noticed your attention drifting away, evident in your slouched posture and vacant eyes as your mind was clearly preoccupied with other thoughts. Whether or not he could discern the exact thoughts running through your head, he felt a sense of his authority being questioned.

"This campaign will be costly and many lives will be lost. But in the end, we will be saving humankind from its worst enemy... itself. Ad Victoriam!", he slammed his fist proudly on his chest.

The voices of the other recruits interrupted your trail of thoughts prompting you to join them in mimicking the gesture. As they left, you stood awkwardly in front of the Elder, a faint sense of panic tingling beneath your skin as you realised you were now alone with your new superior in the room.

"Requesting permission to speak, Sir", you asked, every muscle in your body tense as your ingrained military habits took control and you continued upon seeing the Elder nod, "Paladin Danse informed me that you wished to speak to me personally."

Maxson looked a little surprised as you spoke up. The others within the Brotherhood always treated him with respect, some fearfully even, but your way of talking reminded him of old military records he'd read up on.

"Ah, right. The new recruit Paladin Danse spoke so highly of in his report. I was told you're quite the skilled marksman, which is an exceptional achievement for a civilian like yourself... It takes quite a lot to impress the man that much, especially for recommending you for such a quick and impressive promotion. Were you already skilled with a weapon before you joined?"

"Yes, Sir, in a way. I'm not sure if Danse mentioned it but I'm from a vault, I was kinda stuck in cryostasis for over 200 years, prior to that, I served in the US Army", you nervously chuckled as you recounted your journey into the vault after seeing the bombs being dropped.

Maxson's eyes widened, revealing his surprise for a second before he regained his stoic composure. You intrigued him greatly, a beautiful woman out of time, having served during the pre-war era, now finding herself aligned with the Brotherhood and by extension with him. He was determined to unravel the mysteries that surrounded you. The coldness in his voice faded slightly and he leaned in closer as he spoke, his eyes staring straight into your soul.

"It's quite fortunate that you came across Paladin Danse then, isn't it? Most of our people are young and inexperienced, and some have even come from a life of crime and thievery. But you are quite different, aren't you? And I presume you must have been an exceptional soldier, otherwise you would have most likely been assigned a non-combatant role, or maybe even left out of the vault altogether. I'm sure that the Brotherhood has great need of someone like you and could be quite useful as a Sentinel or even a Paladin yourself."

You sensed a shift in his demeanour, your gaze trailing over his form, noticing the subtle change as he reverted back to the hardened exterior you initially witnessed. All that praise, almost flattery, the prospect of climbing the ranks so fast without even knowing you had to come at cost, one he'd surely reveal soon enough.

"But I have to ask one thing... How do you feel about Synths?"

His question ignited a panic, crawling underneath your skin while your mind pondered on a possible answer. Given his speech earlier, you were well aware which answer was the right one to get you on his good side and yet...lying would was the opposite of everything you stood for. Regardless of the consequences, you refused to simply utter the words he wanted to hear but you wouldn't exclude diplomacy either.

"I'm unsure, Elder. I understand they can be dangerous and yet, one of them saved my life and is trying to help me find my kidnapped son. I'd deem it unjust to simply shoot him on sight."

For a fleeting moment, Maxson's gaze drifted off, a slight frown forming, or maybe it was more of a twinge of regret, crossing his face before he cleared his throat and spoke sharply again.

"Remember our principles, Aspirant. EVERY Synth is a threat to our mission and our values. NEVER trust one under any circumstances, regardless of them appearing kind or helpful. They are only acting that way to manipulate and trick us."

"May I ask a question in return, Elder?", you asked in a calm tone.

It was a careful delicate dance around the principles of this Brotherhood and the man's unyielding view on people who's worst and best sides you came to experience while searching for your husband's killer. You could tell from the Elder's blank expression that your audacity to push this subject further after his warning irritated him. However, what you couldn't see was that, deep within the inner turmoil that defined Arthur Maxson, he almost relished in the fact that someone finally dared to challenge him fearlessly yet respectfully. Unlike most recruits who blindly followed his every command upon stepping foot on the Prydwen, which certainly smoothened the daily operations of the Brotherhood, you possessed a spark of individuality that intrigued him, one that each of the others lacked. After all, it often was this very spark that led to great deeds, exceptional knights for the Brotherhood. Perhaps, it was even the same spark that had propelled him towards his current role as the Elder of this faction.

"Very well. Go ahead and ask", his eyes were locked on you now.

"How can one make sure oneself isn't a Synth?"

This clearly caught him off guard, he was expecting the usual question about why every one of those machines would pose a threat but this was something new. You sensed his hesitation to answer so you elaborated further.

"I come from a time where Synths didn't exist, they are, as so many other things in this world, new to me and I clearly experienced them differently than the Brotherhood did. So how I would I know that I'm not one of them? Or anyone else around me for that matter?"

Maxson seemed puzzled by your question, as if he had never considered it to this extent before and while he had to admit that you made a valid point, he remained determined never to openly acknowledge this fact to a new recruit.

"The Institute wouldn't dare to put one of their own creations in the Brotherhood of Steel on purpose. We've also taken measures to make sure a Synth cannot infiltrate us in any way. A Synth is a machine, and therefore I know that I am not one. And neither are you."

The corners of your mouth twitched into a faint smile, pleased to see your plan unfold perfectly. He didn't need to voice it out loud for you to detect the subtle indications of doubt, the hint of hesitation as your question struck a nerve, and in just a fraction of a moment, it became apparent to you that beneath the hardened and austere exterior carried by the Elder, there laid something more concealed.

"Thank you for reassuring me, Elder."

"You're dismissed, Aspirant", you nodded and turned around but stopped when he continued, the severity in his voice returning, "as a former soldier you should be aware of the consequences of questioning your superiors. You'll be cleaning the showers and latrines down at the airport, all of them. Consider this your first assignment and a lesson. Welcome to the Brotherhood of Steel."

You let out a sigh as you made you way towards the elevator. After spending over two centuries in cryo sleep, waking up in a desolated Wasteland to join a faction like an army, only to be punished with the task of cleaning their bathing facilities for asking a single question. Was it truly worth it? You chuckled to yourself as you pressed the button of the elevator, a triumphant grin spreading across your lips. Yes, it was. You struck just the right nerve to get a faint glimpse underneath the Elder's stoic surface and you were determined to take whatever punishment he'd throw at you if it meant you'd finally get through to him. There more to him than he'd show and you were too intrigued to let it slide.

Little did you know that Arthur stood by the window, observing the bustling soldiers moving around the main airport building just underneath the Prydwen. His mind was consumed with thoughts of you, the timeless woman, who wiggled her way into the Brotherhood, the same mischievous yet well meaning spark in her eyes he was all too familiar with. He knew exactly what game you were playing with your question. But two could play this game, he thought to himself, a hint of amusement curving his lips. He'd see how you dealt with the punishment. What secrets could he winkle out of you? Suddenly a trembling sigh escaped his lips. Would he be to resist you if the mysteries around you would turn out to please him? Only time would tell, for now, the most important was to free the Commonwealth of the Institute's threatening claws. Ad Victoriam, he mumbled to himself, closing his eyes as he desperately tried to banish the images of you from his mind.

This recruit would either be a curse or a blessing and the very least, a challenge.

Chapter 2 - Tour of Duty

Feel free to reblog if you enjoyed the story :)

[danses-with-dogmeat]

Congrats on 1.5k! Could I get nightstalker 🐍🐕 for elder maxson please? Last name. :)

Thank you! And yes, absolutely!

I hope you enjoy :)

Some NSFW below the line!

M) Marriage. Do they want to get married? How long do they have to be in the relationship beforehand? What would the marriage be like?

Arthur absolutely wants to get married. That was always his intent with any of his conquests of a more romantic nature, but with you... He finally has a reason to really want to get married. It would be becoming of him, as Elder, to be married, rather than having casual, unprofessional relationships, and that's always what it was. It was, like so many things, expected of him. But it doesn't take him too long to realize that it's something he truly wants.

Maxson is young, so a year seems like a long time, even if it really isn't. A year in is when he starts thinking about proposing, and he really hopes for your relationship to remain relatively unchanged. You're already facing the Brotherhood's problems as a team, and tackling your lives together, as a unit, and he would only want that feeling of closeness to be more prevalent after your official union. However... He does want to take the new opportunity, of your legally recognized relationship, to start a family. Partly because that too is his duty, but also, because he truly does want it.

A) Attention. How much attention do they want in the relationship?

Maxson is... unused to not being the center of attention. It's an occupational hazard, of sorts, so despite what impression he may want to give off, he likes to be on the receiving end of the attentions in the relationship. Mostly in private, of course. On the outside, he wants your relationship to appear very practical and effective, but not overly affectionate or excessive. Inside the comfort of his own quarters though? Arthur actually tends to be quite dependent. He's had so few close, meaningful relationships in his life that have had any semblance of affection. Mostly, he's been lectured at or reprimanded all his life, so having you now? Someone who supports him, who lets him be authentic and vulnerable? It takes a lot of getting used to, and you'll have to be patient to see him really open up, but Arthur comes to rely on your closeness to him, your attention, and your care for his well-being.

X) Explicit. An NSFW headcannon.

Remember how "starting a family" is on Maxson's list of duties? And his list of personal wants? Well, turns out that translates pretty well into his bedroom activities.

If his partner is female, Maxson has one hell of a breeding kink that could damn near get him in trouble before the two of you are married. He can't help but harbor a need to carry on his family's legacy, but more than that... The thought of being tied with someone in this way, of having something this significant come from him, and be only his? (well, and yours, but...) Everything in his life that he's had to be proud of seems like it's not really his. He's just living in the shadow of his father's name. He's doing what's expected of him, and nothing is solely his, but rather, his family's and the Brotherhood's. And maybe his child would hold those ties as well, but they also wouldn't exist without him, and ultimately, it was his choice to bring them into the world.

Even with a male partner, Maxson craves this closeness, this feeling of possessiveness that comes with something so intimate as finishing inside you. So this added feeling that comes with it, like he's marked you as his, that comes into play as well, no matter the gender of his partner.

S) Sad. How do they cheer their s/o up when they are feeling down? How do they like to be cheered up?

It takes Arthur longer than he would like to actually notice when something's off with you, he just has so many things on his mind all at once, but when he does, he drops what he's doing to help. Though, he's not sure he's the best to come to. He may suggest speaking to Knight-Captain Cade, or another counselor to talk through your problems, but if it's him you want to comfort you... He'll do what he can. He's not the best listener in the world, but he'll try if you want to talk it out; mostly though, Arthur will give you some words of encouragement and simply stick by your side until you're feeling better.

As for himself, Maxson hides his sad feelings like they're something he should be ashamed of, and would rather deal with them on his own. If you do happen to catch him on one of his bad days though, odds are he's been drinking or sleep-deprived for awhile now, so though he won't say it (and he may even fight it a bit), he'll need you to take care of him. Make sure he's taking care of himself, drinking water, make sure he's clean, and then stay with him as you try to get him to take some much needed time to rest.

O) Open. How long does it take for them to open up to their s/o?

It takes, at the very least, months. Many closely guarded feelings or memories may not come out for years, even. But Maxson is... He's not used to speaking about himself on a personal level, unless he's in a professional, therapeutic session, but he's actually quite desperate to share himself with someone else. The Brotherhood Elder is more used to bottling up his feelings, or shoving them away where they can only reach him when he's alone and intoxicated, so the thought of sharing them... It's so foreign to him to consider doing, but when he becomes comfortable with you, these thoughts and feelings come out unbidden. He's so utterly desperate to be relieved of them, to be comforted by someone who actually cares about him as more than just the Brotherhood Elder, that they end up slipping out more and more often a few months into the relationship.

N) Nickname. What are the nicknames they have for their s/o? Do they like when their s/o uses nicknames?

Unfortunately, nicknames are mostly just awkward for the Elder. He's so used to referring to everyone by either their last name, or their rank. He's been doing that since before he can remember, so... the most intimate he tends to get is referring to you by your first name. He still uses your rank as well, mostly in public or... in the bedroom when he's in a certain authoritative sort of mood. The same goes for your last name, and when you do end up getting married he revels in calling you Mr./Mrs. Maxson. It's one of his favorite things. Otherwise, the most tender that his pet names tend to be is calling you babe or, very rarely, love.

As for himself, when you're in private, he doesn't mind you using pet names, so long as they're not too fluffy ('honey' is pushing it for him, even.) But he also can't help but feel warmth in his chest when you call him Arthur. (Calling him Art or Artie will make him blush, and you can never get him to admit it, but he actually doesn't mind the nicknames.) And again, when he's in a certain mood, nothing quite strokes his ego like you calling him Elder in the most intimate of settings.

[sawyingthroughthewasteland]

wake up besties, my Maxson fic finally dropped

Hi! Remember that fic I talked about like months ago about? Maxson redemption and all with the Warwick family and the Mechanist? Anyways its here! Happy holidays yall, hope you enjoy! 

Steel Reforged - Chapter 1 - HawkoftheSky - Fallout (Video Games) [Archive of Our Own]

Chapters: 7/? Fandom: Fallout (Video Games), Fallout 4 Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Arthur Maxson/Liberty Prime, June Warwick/Roger Warwick Characters: Arthur Maxson, Liberty Prime (Fallout), Roger Warwick, June Warwick, The Mechanist | Isabel Cruz, Zeke (Fallout), Warwick family, mentioned OC, Brotherhood of Steel Character(s) Mentioned

Additional Tags: Other Additional Tags to Be Added, rating will change later, Whump, Recovery, Warwick Family as found family, Mechanist is given some well-deserved love, Post-Fallout 4, Railroad Ending (Fallout 4), My OC is mentioned but not a main character just standing in the background menacingly, Liberty Prime kinda developing a personality, exploration of Maxson and Liberty Prime's relationship, might turn to lovers who knows, Maxson severely injured and disfigured, Burns, Blood and Gore, Redemption, ss2 nightingales mentioned, original Roger was abusive, synth roger is baby, Medical Inaccuracies, Loss of Limbs, eventual cyborg Maxson and healing of inner child, Mechanist is Ace, Slow To Update, Slow Burn

Summary:

Longfic exploring Arthur Maxson and Liberty Prime's relationship, Maxson's healing post RR ending, and eventual coming to terms with his new cyborg body, stance on technology and healing of his inner child with the help of the Warwick family and a Mechanist set on redeeming herself as well.

Also! This comic by @homokommari inspired certain aspects of the Warwick family! That shit might be,,, canon I forgor but this inspired the setting in the first place so~ Feel free to go give the artist some love :)

[hrefna-the-raven]

Heart of Steel

Fallout masterlist - main masterlist

Chapter 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

Song for this chapter:

Summary: Maxson suffers through his hangover and makes preparations for the last evening before he'll need to let you travel to the Glowing Sea

Notes: a bit of an inbetween chapter, the next chapter will move faster through the story to finally move it up to Blind Betrayal :)

Warnings: smut (18+)

Chapter 9 - The morning-after-date

Maxson groaned, the throbbing headache along with knocks felt like a jackhammer demolishing the inside of his head. Despite the lack of response, Cade decided to enter and walked towards Maxson who buried his face into the pillow.

"Not now", he grumbled.

"I'm sorry Elder, but I'm here on behalf of a worried Knight. I  don't care how she knew, but given the state you're in, it was the right call to send me."

Reluctantly, Maxson allowed Cade to pull him up to sit on the bed. His eyes, bloodshot and weary, met Cade's concerned gaze.

"What do you want, Cade?", Maxson asked, his voice tinged with both annoyance and despair.

Cade reached into his leather bag and rummaged around, searching for something. After a moment, he pulled out a glass bottle containing a blueish liquid and held it out to Maxson.

"My very own anti-hangover recipe", he offered a gentle smile, "as to what I want, you instructed me to keep track of every soldier's mental health, which includes you as well. So you want to tell me what happened?"

Cade grabbed a chair from the desk, pulled it up to the bed and took a seat, watching Maxson inspecting the liquid before taking a sip.

"This is horrible", Arthur complained, the disgust on his face evident.

"Worse than the headache?", Cade asked, chuckling as he saw Maxson shake his head.

The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of Arthur's deep breaths. He looked at Cade, his gaze filled with hesitation, knowing the weight of his words as soon as they were spoken. With a resigned sigh, he began to recount the events around you that had led them to this moment. His voice quivered as he confessed that the weight of leadership and the constant struggle to balance it with his love for you had become almost unbearable. The responsibility of the Brotherhood's future rested on his shoulders while the desire for intimacy and love tore at him and it had taken a toll on him. Cade sat in attentive silence, his face a mask of neutrality, as he listened to the Elder's every word. When the Elder had finished, the doctor looked at him for a moment, a gentle smile forming on his lips before he spoke up.

"Arthur," he began, his tone gentle yet firm, "your burden is not yours alone to bear. We are a Brotherhood and we stand together, which also includes her now. I can assure you if you'd know what your soldiers are doing in their free time while still performing their duty with best consciousness, you'd be less worried about all this. Why do you keep torturing yourself? If you're in love with her, just tell her and see where is goes. It won't prevent you from being the Elder, you can still chase us all around."

Maxson chuckled at the last sentence. The doctor was right and it wouldn't matter that he had no experience on the matters of love, you never judged him for it, so all that held him back from gaining a little happiness in his life was he himself. He tapped the doctor's shoulder, thanking him for the advice and before he headed out, Arthur had to promise him to take care of himself and talk sooner next time.

You dedicated the entire day to enhancing and repairing your power armour. You had planned on checking in on Maxson but as you would head out to the Glowing Sea tomorrow and dying of radiation poisoning wasn't on your to do list, you postponed your visit to this evening. After a refreshing shower, you swiftly made your way back to your quarters. However, you came to a sudden halt when you noticed a neatly folded crimson fabric and a piece of paper resting on your bed. Intrigued, you examined the items more closely and discovered that it was a flared scarlet dress accompanied by a message. The hastily scribbled note simply stated: 20.00 Control tower. A grin danced on your lips as you had strong suspicions about who had left this here and you wasted no time slipping into the dress. Crafted from a soft garish red fabric, it hung snug around your chest, perfectly highlighting your cleavage, whereas from the hips downwards, it flared out gracefully, falling just above your knee. You put on some make-up, stepped into a pair of well preserved black ballerinas you found during your travels through the Wastelands and you made your way towards the control tower, excitement mingled with nervousness in the pit of your stomach. You couldn't help but wonder what awaited you at the top of the tower.

Finally, the elevator doors opened, and the sight that unfolded before your eyes left you in awe. The control tower was transformed into an enchanting setting, bathed in soft glowing lights that illuminated the space with a warm, romantic ambiance. Countless candles flickered and cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an ethereal atmosphere. And then, you noticed him. Standing there, dressed impeccably in a pair of black suit trousers and a tight white shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbow, was the person you had suspected all along. Maxson awaited you with a gentle smile on his face. His eyes locked with yours, full of affection and a hint of desire as he took in the sight of you in that dress.

"Surprised?", he chuckled, taking a step towards you, his hands sliding around your waist to pull you into a hug.

You hummed in agreement, closing your eyes, inhaling his sweet scent before you took a step back again, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Do you remember yesterday evening?", you asked hesitantly.

"Why do you think I spent most of my day redecorating this tower?"

"Oh I don't know...perhaps you got up this morning and decided your grand plans to save the Commonwealth needed a more artistic flair?"

"I woke up with a pounding headache and Cade's disapproving glare thanks to a certain Knight", he joked, "I think said Knight may need to have a serious conversation with her superior."

The sultry tone of his voice went straight to your core. Placing a hand on his chest, a sly smile formed on your lips.

"Perhaps her superior should take care of that then", you whispered, your eyes darting between his and his mouth.

Maxson grew tired of the self-imposed restrictions, the desperation and fear, he only cared for you right now and he leaned in, his lips crashing on yours in a hungry kiss, finally letting go of all that was holding him back. His hands glided down your sides, fingers digging into the soft flesh of your butt. You gasped as he lifted you up, moving a few steps forward to settle you down on one of those faint blue pre-war machines. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching yours for any sign of approval.

"So, you wanted to talk to me", a mischievous grin formed on your lips, "here we are and I'm all yours", you purred, your hand trailing over his chest, "Elder."

Maxson let out a deep groan, pressing his forehead against yours and you could feel his grip on your thighs tighten. He had never thought the sound of his title could ever arouse him like this but every word leaving that irresistible mouth of yours had the potential to drive him crazy.

"Knight", he breathed, his lips trembling ever so slightly, "I...I..."

He tried to ignore his lust, the sweet temptation of your hand caressing the bulge in his pants, he had to resist for the sake of the most important words he'd ever speak.

"I love you", he took a deep breath, "I want this to be more, I want us to be more, a future for us."

You couldn't help but smile, pulling him closer to hug him tight.

"Me too", you murmured as you trailed kisses down his neck.

You felt your dress shift up while something pulled your underwear down and as you looked up into his blue eyes you saw the endless desire within them. You swallowed a moan at the sight of him, his lips parted slightly, his gaze trailing over your body while he threw your panties to the ground. Your mind went wild, flooding with images of how he'd fuck you right there but he suddenly dropped to his knees, parting your legs and dragging his tongue through your folds.

"Arthur", you cried out, your hand reaching for his head, your fingers entangling in his dark brown hair.

His licks were sloppy but relentless, drawing you closer towards your orgasm each time his tongue circled around your clit. His lips wrapped around your sensitive bud, sucking gently as he pushed two fingers into you, humming satisfied at how wet you were already. Your head fell back against the window, wondering for a brief moment if anyone could see you from the Prydwen but all thoughts were washed away the moment he started thrusting his fingers faster. You were so close, a breath away from the ocean of pleasure you'd gladly drown in but you needed more of him. You pushed his head away, panting while trying to calm yourself a bit before speaking. He got up, worries written all over his face but you wouldn't give him time to voice them as you took his hand, bringing his fingers to your lips and licked them clean. It was the moment Arthur almost fell apart, feeling his cock twitch within his pants while watching you unravel him with such a simple gesture.

"Arthur please", you pleaded, your hands fumbling to unfasten the buttons on his trousers before swiftly pulling them down.

He growled, rubbing his throbbing cock against your wetness. It was almost too much but the threat of sending both of you over the edge became imminent as he glided into you, your walls clenching around his length while both of you moaned loudly. He paused for a moment, breathing heavily, chuckling quietly upon seeing that you were as desperate as he was, pupils blown wide with lust. You wanted everything he would offer you, a burning desire to melt into him, nestled forever within his soul. Arthur began moving, slamming his hips into yours at a sloppy pace. Sinful moans filled the control tower as the shadows dancing on the walls bore witness to your intimacy. Your arms wrapped around his neck, lips clashing on his as you came, legs trembling as love and pleasure blossomed in a mind-shattering orgasm. Feeling your walls clench around him, Arthur promptly followed you, spilling his seed within you, moving away from you after a last few sloppy thrusts. Both of you were panting, broad smiles painted across your lips as you gazed into each other's eyes. Arthur took a rag, cleaning both of you up before taking your hand and leading you to the window, staring into the night sky.

"So what will happen now?", you asked, feeling his grip tighten at your question.

"Whatever we want to happen", he replied, "and after you return from the Glowing Sea we continue our plan to destroy the Institute and I will help you rescue your son."

He turned towards you, the sight of the affection held within your eyes made him weak. He delved into the knowledge of pre-war life, exploring the simple joys that people once experienced, the traditions they held dear—a glimpse into the life that could have been yours. In the harsh wastelands, where time showed no mercy, he yearned to bring you solace, even though romance and leisure were scarce commodities, especially within the ranks of the Brotherhood. Which was exactly why he had planned to ask you something important this evening but upon being in your presence, his courage faltered. Fear and uncertainty crept in, questioning whether it was too soon. He had no experience in such matters and was not long around his parents to grow old enough to ask them for their guidance in such matters. And although he valued Owyn's and Sarah's counsel, they never broached the subject of love with him. The connection that bound you two, it felt unique, a rare treasure he'd neither find nor share with anyone else, a truth he held close to his heart for now. He feared you might not be ready yet, and he couldn't bear the thought of losing you, not at this moment. And so, he led you back to the Prydwen.

Chapter 10 - Institutionalized

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Heart of Steel

Fallout masterlist - main masterlist

Chapter 1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Song for this chapter:

Summary: You took the opportunity to ask Danse about having a private life within the Brotherhood while Maxson was on his way to see an old friend, someone he knew he could talk to.

Notes: I'm so obsessed with Maxson still being this traumatised boy that grew up all alone in the Citadel so here you go with some more insight into his thoughts and fears :) and some sweet funny misunderstanding with Paladin Danse because he's just adorable in his own way. This is not proof-read, finished it 10 minutes ago and decided to just post to not keep you waiting :)

Chapter 5 - Don't let me be misunderstood

After finally being able to leave his quarters, you swiftly changed into your uniform and made your way towards the kitchen, your hungry stomach growling. The tables appeared unusually empty for this time of the morning, with only Danse sitting there, enjoying a simple breakfast of toast and roasted meat. A sudden question popped up in your head, causing you to wonder about the personal lives of the other soldiers and what activities the Brotherhood allowed them to engage in outside of their duties. Reflecting on your pre-war military life, you recalled being granted quite a fair amount of freedom, including the ability to marry fellow soldiers and enjoy leisure time after completing your duties. However these were different times, with different rules in a strange world. With a mischievous glint in your eye, you approached the Paladin, trying to strike up a casual conversation.

"Hey Danse", you said with a sly smile, "you've brought me to the Brotherhood and I've been curious about a few things we never had a chance to discuss. Like for instance how do you unwind after a long day of battling wasteland creatures?"

Caught off guard by your question, Danse shifted uncomfortably. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the Brotherhood and delving into his personal life was a topic he seldom broached. He believed that he had already divulged more than enough about his past during your encounter at the police station. However, he sensed that you were genuinely attempting to fit in, and he had no qualms about sharing any information that could ease your transition into the Brotherhood.

"Well," he pondered, his face turning slightly red at your sudden focus on him, "I, uh, usually spend my free time focusing on my duties, training and maintaining my power armor."

You couldn't help but chuckle at his response, wondering if Danse even might be the right person for this discussion. The Paladin you got to know made you ask yourself more than once if he even knew the concept of a life outside the Brotherhood.

"No, no, Danse", you said, trying to explain the intend behind your question, "this is all too strict, too much of the soldier life. I meant, do you have any personal hobbies or interests? Something that helps you relax?"

"Oh, I understand. Well, I suppose I enjoy tinkering with my weapons and keeping them in top shape or upgrading them. It gives me a sense of fulfilment."

Impressed by his unwavering commitment, you decided to delve deeper and inquire about what you truly wanted to know. You had no idea where things with Maxson would lead, but given how that man ignited a mix of curiosity, desire and occasional frustration in you each time your paths crossed, you didn't want to rule out any potential outcomes, especially not the ones you secretly hoped for. The way he tugged at your heartstrings despite being entrenched in his stubborn beliefs and the crushing weight that came with the leadership of the Brotherhood, meant something to you. He was by far not the first interesting person you encountered since emerging from the vault but along with him came that feeling of a deep connection, an understanding you'd find with no one else.

"And what about love?" you asked, raising an eyebrow, "do you think the Brotherhood has any against, you know, sexual encounters or relationships with...uhm...fellow soldiers?"

Danse's eyes widened at your question. You caught him alone and discussed all those very personal topics. Thinking back at when he first met you, you were rarely quiet, constantly poking at him with remarks, statements or queries. There had to be more to this than he first thought.

"Uh, well, the Brotherhood focuses primarily on our mission to protect and serve. Personal relationships can complicate matters, so they are generally discouraged but not forbidden. We do in fact have a few soldiers and initiates dating each other", he stuttered, "but uhm if you were specifically asking about me, I truly appreciate the sentiment but I'm sworn to my duty and not available for any...uhm...romantic relations with you."

As you stood there, nervously shifting from foot to foot, you couldn't help but feel your cheeks flush with embarrassment. This was definitely not the way you had planned this conversation to go.

"Oh, no no no! I apologise for the misunderstanding, Danse. I was actually referring to someone els...within the Brotherho...you know what? I'm glad we cleared that up. I'm just going to leave now. Bye and thanks."

You hurried down the long corridor, hearing Danse bid his farewells before you sprinted up the stairs and finally got out of sight. It almost made you laugh as you realized that talking to the Elder felt like a walk in the park compared to any conversation with Danse. You headed towards the airport beneath the Prydwen, switching on the radio attached to your Pip-Boy as you geared up for the shooting training. As you made your way closer, the sound of gunfire echoed through the air unleashed a wave of excitement within you. The Brotherhood of Steel's training exercises were renowned for their rigour and you were determined to prove your skills, hoping Maxson would be there to watch, giving you another opportunity to spend more time with him under the cloak of duty.

Maxson made his way down to the airport, the weight of loneliness growing heavy on him, an all too familiar feeling. He needed someone to talk to, someone who'd listen, regadless whether they replied. Surveying his surroundings, he proceeded through a security door at the back of the main building. The dimly lit room emitted a faint aroma of oil as he approached the table. It was a whimsical, childish notion that led him here, but the instant he caught sight of it, a comforting sense of home enveloped him.

"Hello old friend", Maxson whispered tenderly, his hand resting upon the colossal robot head resting on the table.

He leapt onto the table, taking a seat beside the head, his legs dangling and swinging as he shut his eyes and drew in a deep breath. He felt the sadness of that little boy back in the Citadel who had no friends but was burdened with high expectations because of his name. He chuckled softly at thought that Rothchild wouldn't chase him away this time and if someone else were to stumble upon this place, he could simply claim to be inspecting the Brotherhood's most promising weapon. The perks of bring the Elder now instead of that little boy. He shook his head, scolding himself mentally for even being here, knowing all to well that he shouldn't try to make friends with a machine and yet, who else would listen to him without passing judgment? Perhaps you, but how could he discuss all of this with the person who started it all?

" I apologise for my absence and lack of visits all those years. It has been a challenging time for me, especially after losing Sarah. I didn't know what to do anymore, I was completely alone...", his voice trembled and tears formed in the corners of his eyes, " I trained, I fought and look at me now, Elder of the Brotherhood of Steel, upholding the Maxson legacy and striving to protect the people." 

He couldn't hold the tears back anymore, all the weight of loneliness crushing him. He had managed to deceive everyone, including himself, until you entered his sacred space and saw through his facade from the moment you set foot on the Prydwen.

" But I feel alone, old friend, all the burden to bear yet never anyone to confide in, to share it with. But there is someone new in the Brotherhood, joined two days and you wouldn't believe how she's turning my life upside-down."

He chuckled, brushing away the tears from his face, the edges of his lips twitching into a joyful smile as he reminisced in the memories of last night.

"Believe me, if you could meet her you'd adore her too, she is everything I also thought I'd be when I grew up. Strong, kind and fearless in the face of true injustice. I envy her, she can be herself unburdened by the weight I have to carry...sometimes...I...I wish I could just leave, be someone else, be me but that was never my destiny, wasn't it? If you could you'd probably ask me what she means to me, well that is a difficult question. I hold great admiration her, I think there might even reside love deep in that broken heart of mine but I'm also afraid of her in a way. What if I disappoint her? What if I fail to meet her expectations? Given how persistent she was on tearing my defenses down, would she even care for expectations? Wouldn't she simply want the real me? But then again who exactly would that be?"

Arthur leapt from the table, pacing in circles before the head, his gaze fixed on the floor as he became lost in his thoughts. It eluded him how you'd even be able to like him, given how you disagreed with him on your first meeting. You remained a riddle, and the more he tried to unravel you, the more you seemed to fade into the mystery that defined you. A sigh escaped his lips; all his questioning and doubting amounted to nothing. He couldn't negotiate with the worries away that held his heart hostage; the only way out was to confront whatever lay ahead. He had to brace himself for whatever the next encounter with you had in store. His footsteps came to a halt in front of the table once more, his gaze shifting up to the visor of the robotic head. Gently, he placed a hand on it, tenderly tapping the cold metal.

"Thank you for listening my dear friend from days gone by."

He made his way towards the exit, his gaze lingering for one last moment.

"See you later, alligator", he chuckled with genuine joy.

As he flicked off the light and left the room, he knew he had to leave the little boy he missed so much behind, along with Liberty Prime as his friend, all for the sake of the Brotherhood. However, he also held onto a glimmer of hope that, with you, he'd found a new place he could finally find and cherish what that boy always longed for and it left him with a warmth he'd try to keep at any cost.

Chapter 6 - Dream a little dream

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Heart of Steel

Fallout masterlist - main masterlist

Chapter 1 - 2 - 3

Song for this chapter:

Summary: You hadn't seen Maxson since your arrival on the Prydwen as Danse immediately whisked you away for a little celebration with some fellow soldiers after your successful mission. Those hours seemed to stretch on half an eternity, your thoughts lingering on how the Elder might feel...

Warnings: alcohol, no direct smut but orgasm (18+)

Notes: thinking about how Maxson grew up and how the Brotherhodd is like (in the show and the games, especially the scene with Max and Lucy talking about sex), there is nothing that could convince me that this dude isn't still a virgin with no proper clue on how to tackle anything sex related outside of the usual masturbation xD so yeah despite his charms and good looks, my dude Maxson is a cute awkward virgin in this series ;) aaaand sorry for the long chapter again^^

Chapter 4 - Something's gotta give

Maxson switched on his radio and slumped down on the larger red sofa in his private quarters. His hands found the glass he had previously filled with some vodka. It was far from his preferred choice but after today he believed it to be exactly what he needed. His mind kept taunting him with the image of you smiling down on him as he regained consciousness. It almost made him question if he'd died and woken up in the afterlife. It felt too real and if he closed his eyes he was still able to feel the warmth of your thighs radiating throw the fabric of your uniform, the tenderness of your touch and those beautiful lips, so close....He groaned, shaking his head as he gulped down half of his drink, not wanting to wait until his mind finally granted him the serene calm of no lingering thoughts and perhaps even allowing him to drift off to sleep this night.

Your finger dug into the Sugar Bombs you held as you paced back and forth outside Maxson's quarters. You hadn't seen him since your arrival on the Prydwen as Danse immediately whisked you away for a little celebration with some fellow soldiers after your successful mission. Those hours seemed to stretch on half an eternity, your thoughts lingering on how the Elder might feel. The glimpse you got at his true self had etched itself into your memory along with his peaceful face resting on your lap. After you finally managed to escape Danse's well-meant little get-together, you locked yourself in your quarters until a sudden thought struck you as soon as your gaze fell on a box of Sugar Bombs. These little treats were probably as unhealthy as bathing in one of the irradiated rivers but they held fond memories of your childhood, your mum sometimes giving you a box of them whenever you were sad. It was a silly thought, you knew that, but it was enough to make you grab the box and march towards the Elder's private quarters. You took a deep but shaky breath as your steps halted and your trembling hand knocked at his door. Seconds felt like an eternity as you waited for a response, and just as you were on the verge of giving up and turning around, the door swung open, revealing a surprised Maxson. You swallowed as your gazed danced over his figure. It was late in the evening, and you weren't quite sure what you had expected, but it certainly wasn't him standing there, dressed in nothing but a snug light brown t-shirt and a pair of loosely fitted dark grey sweatpants that hung low on his hips. His piercing blue eyes locked with yours as you finally dared to look up and there was a flicker of something you couldn't quite place that passed between you.

"Yes?", his voice seemed gruff and exhausted.

"I-I just wanted to check on you, after the fall you had", you stumbled over your words.

Maxson stepped aside, inviting you in. The room was dimly lit, with a faint smell of alcohol hanging in the air. He gestured towards a worn-out red couch and you cautiously took a seat, trying to plan ahead on how to approach this situation as you hadn't thought of making it this far. As he poured himself a drink, you couldn't help but notice the way his hand trembled ever so slightly, wondering if the fall had hurt him more than you assumed. Unbeknownst to you, his shaky hand was simply a sign of the nervousness your presence brought along. He cursed himself mentally, as if his endless thoughts about you had evoked you into his quarters at this late hour. He took a sip from his glass and closed his eyes, reclining on the couch, desperately trying to ignore the closeness he'd allowed himself by taking a seat right next to you.

"I thought, after today's exhausting events, you might wanted a little pick-me-up", you tentatively offered, holding up the box of cereals.

He opened his eyes and glancing between the box and the delightful grin on your face.

"Sugar Bombs?", he chuckled surprised, "aren't we a touch too old for that?"

"I guess you've already resorted to the grown-up version of comfort, but consider this", you eagerly perched on your leg and turned to face him, "what if we're never too old to have some disgusting sweets? I mean, just look at this radiated wasteland. Don't we deserve a little treat from time to time? Elder", you quickly added his title, reminding yourself who's private space you invaded tonight.

"Arthur", he replied flatly as he emptied his glass.

"What?", a puzzled expression spreading across your face.

"It's late, I'm not even in my uniform and you're sitting in my private quarters wearing pyjamas and hell, I'm too tired to bother with formalities right now."

"I'll take that as a yes to my proposal", you grinned, wiggling your eyebrows, "Arthur."

You grabbed a few sugar bombs and held them up to him. He rolled his eyes, but it was obvious that his annoyance was feigned as he took the treats and tossed them into his mouth. His eyes widened, a look of surprise flashing across his face at his own satisfied moan as the sweet taste flooded his mouth. An unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest and he was certain it had nothing to do with the vodka, this felt different, an unfiltered happiness settling within, only amplified by the beaming look you gave him. You chuckled at the sight of him finally letting go, abandoning, even if just for tonight, his usual steadfast determination to avoid anything fun.

"You've been full of surprises today", you crunched on some sugar bombs and just as you were about to continue, he interrupted.

"And you have been since you stepped foot on my ship", he poured two glasses of vodka and set one in front of you, "tell me, timeless lady, have you always been this rebellious? Invading the private space of your superiors...admitting to ignore their instructions."

"Careful, your Elder is showing again", you playfully chided him as you took a sip, your noise wrinkling at the burning sensation of the alcohol, “but to answer your question...why do you think the latrines had been cleaned this fast and efficient?”

You gave him a sly wink which earned you a hearty laugh, his head falling back as he lead out a contented sigh.

“Maybe it's the alcohol talking but I have to admit you're intriguing”, he slurred, barely noticeable.

“Same, although for me, it's simply honest curiosity.”

The two of you kept talking, from serious topics over the a playful banter and back. Arthur couldn't remember the last time he felt so carefree, liberated from the weight of the Brotherhood and the expectations tied to his name. He was truly grateful that a person like you ended up in his life. Whether he'd ever confess it to you or himself how he truly started to feel about you, right here and now, he was grateful that fate had brought you to the Prydwen. A sudden twinge of guilt pierced his chest, as amidst his own happiness, he couldn't ignore that the reasons that had lead to you being here, were a tragedy. You'd been frozen in a vault for over two hundred years, robbed of your husband and son and forced to waken up in a destroyed world teemed with peril. Sensing a shift in his behaviour, you raised your gaze towards the antiquated radio, humming along to the melody of the song.

When an irrepressible smile such as yours

Warms an old implacable heart such as mine

Don't say no because I insist

Somewhere, somehow

Someone's gotta be kissed

“Do you like music? Is dancing still a thing?”, you asked, offering him a smile.

“Maybe?”, he replied, “I must admit the last time I danced was at least ten years ago and it probably looked ridiculous.”, he chuckled, a slight grin forming on his face while his fingers unconsciously tapped along to the rhythm of the music.

You rose from your seat and changed the radio station, a more lively and rhythmic tune echoing from the small device filled the air. Without thinking, your fingers naturally wrapped around his wrist, gently tugging him up from his seat. Both of you stumbled a bit and ended up in each other's arms, the sudden closeness provoking a deep blush to spread on your cheeks. In a faint attempt to distract yourself from the several beats your heart just skipped, your body started swaying along with the tune as you held his hands, not daring to look at him.

“I'll take it as my duty teach you”, you chuckled, the tone of your voice betraying your nervousness, “we can't have the great Elder Maxson, leader of THE Brotherhood of Steel, saving the world without knowing how to dance.”

As the minutes turned into hours, the room was filled with laughter and the unsteady footsteps of two souls who, if only for a fleeting evening, managed to forget the burdens of their lives and embraced this timeless carefree moment. In that small, shared space, a connection blossomed between the two of you. It wasn't just about dancing; it was about breaking down barriers and allowing vulnerability to seep through the cracks. Arthur hummed content, his head resting on yours, eyes closed as he surrendered to the magic of the moment, only existing with the recorded voice singing his desire, evidently for you to hear, yet remaining hidden.

So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store

From their vast mysterious sky

I'll try hard ignorin' those lips that I adore

But how long can anyone try?

You stirred awake, eyes opening only reluctantly while the low but cthe dull but persistent pounding inside your head stole away any remaining traces of sleep you still craved. Memories of the previous evening's ending were hazy and as your vision slowly cleared, you realised that you hadn't made it back to your own bed. YLying still for a moment, you could now hear the peaceful sound of Maxson's soft snoring coming from behind you while your body registered the warmth of his pressed against yours and his arm wrapped around your waist. Carefully, you tried to turn around without waking him. Arthur's mouth twitched, the eyes moving beneath closed lids as he remained trapped in a dream. JJust like back in Fort Strong, you admired the beauty of his peaceful expression, tracing a finger over the scar on his face. Your gaze then shifted to his lips, wondering what it would feel like to kiss him. Arthur's grip on your waist tightened, pulling you closer while opaque murmurs spilled from his lips as his dream continued to hold him captive. You wiggled your body gently, attempting to create more space for yourself while turning around, when suddenly you swallowed, painfully aware of how his hardened length was pressed against you now, rubbing against your folds with every tiny movement. Even in his slumber, his body seemed to instinctively respond to the situation, as his hips bucked against you and a chorus of moans rumbled from his chest. His movements quickened, his hand moving down from your waist, fingers digging into the soft flesh of your ass to press you even further against him. However, the moment your own moans escaped your lips uncontrollably, his eyes snapped open, fixating on your flushed face. He continued thrusting a few more times, emitting a long, sinful groan before you could feel the fabric between you becoming damp. The lust clouding his eyes dissipated, replaced by an expression of fear as his mind gradually awakened, realising what just happened. Every muscle in his body tensed up and Arthur didn't dare to move anymore, his mind in a frantic state of panic trying to figure out how to navigate through this unexpected situation. The Brotherhood had taught him how to defeat the most vicious enemies but he felt utterly unprepared for this particular battle.

"Good morning, Arthur."

You were the first to break the awkward silence that hung between you, trying to ease the fear you detected in his eyes. You were trapped in this moment just as much as he was and you were determined to show him that you had no issue with what just happened. As he remained silent, your gaze shifted to his lips and you finally gave up resisting the urge to kiss him. You leaned in, your mouth pressed on his, melting into a passionate kiss. At first he seemed to enjoy it, kissing back eagerly but then he abruptly pushed you away with such force that it nearly threw you off the bed.

"I...I...you need to go", he stuttered, scrambling to climb over you and escape from the bed.

"Arthur", you whispered, following him.

You attempted to grasp his hand and redirect his attention towards you, but he swiftly moved towards the locker, opening the metallic door to take out a fresh uniform. His trembling hands stripped the t-shirt over his head and pulled down the stained sweatpants, revealing his softening cock. You gulped, the sight of him in his naked glory stirred a wild fire deep within you. No this was not the moment, you scolded yourself mentally and your hands moved to his shoulders, finally managing to turn him around. He might have been the Elder of the Brotherhood but the man before you now resembled more a frightened young boy, someone who had committed a wrongdoing and feared getting scolded for it. And then a sudden realisation struck you. While you had experienced a normal childhood and life before the bombs dropped, he had grown up in the midst of chaos, sheltered within an organisation that cared only about freeing the world of its abominations. The irony was not lost on you - this man possessed extensive knowledge of battles and military strategies but had most likely no idea of intimate human relations and...

"Arthur, are you...", you didn't dare the voice the remainder of your question, afraid it might the fragile relationship that had formed between the two of you.

Maxson donned his uniform, exhaling shaky breaths as his thoughts raced at a hundred miles per second. The memory of a book came to him, the one fourteen year old him stole from one of the Knights in the citadel. He used to sneak away under the cover of the night, reading its pages in secret about the tale of a woman's journey to uncover the delights of carnal pleasure. The power those words held, the very same emotions that consumed him whenever he found himself in your presence. In his dreams he confidently explored the curves of your body, fingers caressing down your bare back as he rubbed himself against you, the irresistible tingling growing so overwhelming until it erupted, drowning him in a violent sea of bliss. But this morning, his dream bled into reality, and suddenly, he was overwhelmed with shame.

"I'm sorry", he finally uttered, his voice fractured and filled with shameful sadness, "my first duty is the Brotherhood and saving the people. I shouldn't have, I mean I..."

It broke your heart seeing him in this state for, despite his stubborn beliefs regarding non-human life, there was nothing wrong with him and you'd make it your utmost priority to show exactly this to him. It was high time for the Elder to step aside momentarily, allowing Arthur to bask in the warmth and affection that life had to offer. Gently cupping his face, you tilted his head, guiding his sorrowful ice-blue eyes to meet yours. There were countless things you wished to say to him but all the words transcended into one tender fleeting kiss.

"Your Elder is showing again", you playfully chided him, earning a faint sheepish smile from him, "you have nothing to be sorry for, except for maybe stopping and denying me my pleasure."

The touch of your love almost physically pained his heart, and though his mind still grappled with resistance, the very same heart grew stronger, guiding him on the way for a new light and he wouldn't be him if he wouldn't master the challenge to balance his duty and his love.

"Maybe we could try-"

A sudden pounding on the door interrupted him, causing both of you to hold your breath, desperately hoping that whoever was on the other side would simply turn away. Another knock followed, shattering the brief moment of silence.

"Elder?", Proctor Ingram's voice called out from behind the door, "it's time for our briefing. You promised me we would finally address the issue with the coolant supply."

You witnessed the sheer terror spread across Maxson's face upon hearing Ingram's voice. He stumbled towards the door, nearly tripping over while trying to get his boots on. He grabbed his coat hanging down from the cabinet and hastily threw it over his shoulders . His hand reached for the door handle but the paused, allowing himself a small smile while he quickly turned around, strode towards you and planted a loving kiss on your lips.

"Wait good ten minutes before heading out", he murmured against your lips, "I'll expect you to be ready for shooting training at noon. That's an order, Knight", his words were firm, but the warmth in his eyes revealed his true emotions in that moment.

"Yes, Elder", you replied, slamming your fist on your chest in salute.

You found yourself grinning as you watched him exit the room, amused by the strict tone he adopted as soon as he lead Ingram away from his quarters.

Chapter 5 - Don't let me be misunderstood

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